Five Places to Get Sauced on Thanksgiving Eve 2014

For most, Thanksgiving is a day full of feasting and family, quality time on the couch, tryptophan-induced food comas and fancy footwork on the football field. Thanksgiving Eve, on the other hand, has become infamous for as one of the biggest party nights of the year. Maybe it's because old friends are returning home for the holidays, maybe it's because you need to blow off steam before behaving for the family; either way, tonight Denver will be abuzz with booze, parties and good food. So whether you're looking to get sauced or just want some early cranberry sauce, here are some of the tastiest events on tonight's culinary calendar.

5) Adelitas Cocina y CantinaAdelitas Cocina y Cantina is ringing in the holiday season with a Latin twist at its Thanksgiving Eve Party. The restaurant will be serving up pumpkin tamales, turkey tacos and turkey enchiladas ,as well as playing classic Christmas music and movies all night long. For more information, head to Adelitas's Facebook page.

4) Punch Bowl SocialPunch Bowl Social will be open and slinging drinks from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thanksgiving Eve -- and drinks aren't the only thing on the menu. Hit the lanes while you're at Punch Bowl and if you can bowl a turkey (three strikes in a row), you will score a free turkey to cook up for Thanksgiving. For more information, visit punchbowlsocial.com. 3) Dorchester Social Eatery Let Dorchester Social do the cooking on Thanksgiving eve. Chef Michel Wahaltere will be cooking up his version of classic holiday dishes using only fresh, organic and locally sourced fare. The banquet-style dinner will feature holiday favorites like whole roasted stuffed turkey; ham, fennel, apple and date cornbread stuffing; maple syrup-roasted butternut squash; cranberry orange ginger sauce; apple cinnamon crisp with almonds and raisins and more. Dorchester will be serving dinner from 5 to 10 p.m.; tickets for turkey are $40. The evening also marks the launch of Dorchester's philanthropic initiative with Volunteers of America. For more information on this Friendsgiving Feast, visit dorchesterdenver.com.

Session Kitchen

Danielle Lirette

2) Session Kitchen If you want to steer clear of traditional turkey day treats until Thanksgiving, head to Session Kitchen. The restaurant will be offfering a Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner Tasting Menu Extravaganza, a three-course meal prepared by chef Scott Parker that includes West Coast oysters, lamb top rounds with cauliflower ravioli and chocolate beignets. Dinner is $35 per guest with an optional wine pairing for $15; an a la carte menu will also be available. Call 720-763-3387 for reservations and more information.

1) ViewHouse Both ViewHouse locations (Ballpark and Centennial) are kicking off the holiday weekend with a Never Summer Pre-Thanksgiving Party. The '80s ski party-themed evening starts at 9 p.m. and will include photo booths, lawn games, a Never Summer snowboard giveaway and plenty of rad '80s jams. At the Centennial location, bundle up in your brightest neon one-piece and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and apple cider while you dance to the tunes of Ronny Raygun, an '80s cover band playing in the courtyard. The Ballpark location will have DJs spinning the best tunes all night. And to get into the spirit of giving, both '80s parties kick off a month-long holiday toy drive benefiting Volunteers of America. When you bring an unwrapped new toy to the party, you will receive a complimentary Peppermint Godiva Chocolate Martini, a ViewHouse signature holiday cocktail. For more info, ski on over to viewhouse.com.

And tomorrow?

For information on dozens of culinary events around town, visit our online Food & Drink listings -- and if you have information for a culinary event you'd like included in our online calendar, send it to cafe@westword.com.